Victory is ahead, Zelensky tells troops at military event

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Ukrainian soldiers for their efforts in the war against Russia and said "ahead is our victory" in an event yesterday celebrating the country's military. The Ukrainian president made the comments while marking the Day of the Defenders, a national event honouring the country's veterans and those killed in battle.

- JOE MIDDLETON

In an address published by the Kyiv Post, he said yesterday: “Today we thank everyone who stood, stands and will stand strong. All those who were the first to take on a difficult battle. Our border guards, our infantry, tank crewmen, pilots, sailors, artillerymen, anti-aircraft gunners, our paratroopers, special forces, intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Guard, police, and territorial defence.

“All those who defend the Ukrainian land, sea and sky. Whose protection we feel and whose courage we see every day.” He added: “Behind us is our history. Ahead is our victory. And a free country. Which we defended, defend and will defend.”

Mr Zelensky’s address comes as the British prime minister, Rishi Sunak, yesterday rowed back on claims made by defence secretary Grant Shapps on Saturday that UK troops could carry out training in the country. Mr Shapps said in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph newspaper that he wanted to deploy military instructors to Ukraine, in addition to training Ukrainian armed forces in Britain or other Western countries.